Structures Engineering Intern - Fall 2026

Clutch Canada; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 45,460; Part time

Job summary

Hermeus is seeking an intern to contribute to the design, build, and test of flight hardware in Los Angeles. The role demands hands-on experience and strong STEM knowledge, along with engagement across cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates are currently enrolled in a STEM program and have a strong interest in aviation. The position offers hourly pay ranging from $25 to $33, depending on class standing, along with opportunities to travel to test sites and other offices.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Strong interest in vehicle hardware.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, build, and test of flight and test hardware.
• Support project planning to drive hardware delivery on aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams.

Skills

Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles

Strong understanding of engineering first principles

Comfort with CAD

Familiarity with manufacturing processes

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education

Currently enrolled in a STEM program

Tools

CAD software

Test equipment

Hand tools

Job description

Hermeus is a venture‑backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high‑speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high‑speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing, integration and test for flight vehicles. You'll be embedded with design and production teams, owning everything from hardware design, tooling, testing and flight readiness to process development and vehicle assembly.

Summer: Around 12 weeks (May - August)

Fall: Around 16 weeks (August - December)

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, build, and test of flight and test hardware supporting the Mk 2.3 airframe
• Support detailed project planning and execution to help drive hardware delivery on aggressive development timelines
• Assist in translating high‑level structural design concepts into detailed CAD models, including geometry refinement, material selection, and design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) considerations
• Contribute to the transition of structural components and assemblies from prototype builds to repeatable production
• Identify opportunities to simplify designs, reduce part count, and improve manufacturability and assembly flow
• Support development of build processes, tooling concepts, and integration plans for structural hardware
• Assist in developing and executing test plans and procedures for structural and flight hardware validation
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support vehicle integration and program milestones

Basic Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience designing, building, and testing vehicles through internships, studies or projects.
• Must be currently enrolled in a STEM program at an accredited college or university (undergraduate student in your third or fourth year of study, or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program).
• Strong interest in vehicle hardware.
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
• Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.
• Demonstrated ability to work within cross‑functional teams.
• Enthusiasm for aviation and Hermeus's mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Designed and releasedflight hardware.
• Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and NX.
• Leadership experience on project teams or in mentorship roles.
• You’ve built something that’s flown, broken, or both.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to travel to test sites, other Hermeus offices, and partner locations as needed

$25 - $33 an hour

Hourly rates are based on class standing (Undergrad, Grad Student, Masters Degree, Etc)

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.